Xuyao Ancient Village

Xuyao Ancient Village

Xuyao Ancient Village is located in Xiaocun Town and is one of the best-preserved ancient villages in our county. The village boasts a long history, profound cultural heritage, and a simple, natural form.

In front of Xuyao flows the Yuxi River, while the back leans against Golden Mountain, with towering peaks on both sides standing like dragons and tigers guarding the town. Mountain springs trickle through the village, and the lush greenery creates a serene atmosphere.

The lanes of Xuyao crisscross, all paved with cobblestones. Residential houses are scattered along the roadsides in a well-spaced layout, featuring diverse facades and varied eaves. Major structures include the Wenyuan Courtyard, the Scholar’s Mansion, and the Dingtou Residence. The Wenyuan Courtyard is situated directly in front of the Dingtou Residence and was built by Wu Cunjing. The Dingtou Residence is the oldest surviving residential building in the village, so named by villagers because it is situated higher than other homes—commonly referred to as “Dingtou” (Top House). Many architectural elements follow Song Dynasty construction methods, such as the wooden drum stones at the gate tower, which feature subtle carvings with clear patterns, exuding an elegant and rustic charm. The courtyard floor is paved with cobblestone patterns, and the main house and side wings also showcase rich carvings in a simple and refined style.

Behind the village lies a “Twin Well”—two wells in one location. The upper well provides drinking water, while the lower well is used for washing. A poem titled “Twin Wells Embracing Spring” reads: “Moss and mist veil the stone clear and bright, twin silver basins mirror the void in light. Who sends the misty dragon’s flying spray? Mistaking spring for brine, it seems to play. A thread of sweet warmth floats like jade wine, all seasons pure, a tender spring divine. Thus we know this blessed land holds spring near, no sulfur name could make it more dear.”

The village has a long history and profound cultural heritage, offering multidimensional value for cultural relic research. Although residents of Xuyao do not bear the surname Xu but Wu, legend has it that during the Xuanhe era of the Song Dynasty, when the rebel Fang La caused chaos, Xu Zhen (from Xianju, Taishun) led troops to resist the invaders and died a heroic death. When his coffin was being transported back to his hometown and passed by the Yuxi River (now the stream in front of Xuyao), it is said to have manifested a miracle—bringing rainfall to end a long drought, leading to bountiful harvests year after year in fields that had previously suffered from poor yields. To commemorate him, locals named the place “Xuyao” (Xu’s Bay), and later built a memorial shrine in the village. The Wu family of Xuyao are descendants of Wu Qi, who served as an Imperial Counselor (a high-ranking advisory official in the Western Han Dynasty, later renamed to Imperial Remonstrance Official in the Eastern Han, and under the Gate Council in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, tasked with advising the emperor) of Xintai. The fifth-generation descendant of Wu Qi, Wu Chengchu, moved from Kucun to Baishudi in Xiaocun. Several generations later, Wu Chengchu’s descendant, Wu Lai, admired Xuyao for its “winding paths and open roads that draw people in, with layered majestic mountains… forming a secluded and elegant charm.”